Song of the Day: The Fascination Movement – Just Pretend

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Morning Show host John Richards, is “Just Pretend” by The Fascination Movement from their 2009 album 0.5 on Aube Records.

Let’s just immediately file this under the category electronic pop. The Fascination Movement, a great new band you’d fully expect to come from some small seaport in France, are surprisingly from another seaport: Seattle. Sonically, they may sound from another place, but we do know at least one of the band members played bass on the new Fleet Foxes album. Signed to German label Aube Records (known for their high standards in electronica), The Fascination Movement take the label in an exciting new direction with their debut album, 0.5, which should get the Aube fans dancing a little more than they’re used to. The music itself is a mix of synth beats and melodic pop tinged with electronica, purposely built to defy genres. Mix in some old-school New Order with Cut Copy and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect. It feels like the 80’s all over again!

Be sure to read more about the band and find out about their new remix 12″ on their MySpace page. As of now, there are no scheduled tour dates for the band, if they even make any actual appearances at all. Here’s a “video” for band’s remix of “Starcluster,” featuring Marc Almond: